Party time as Lilian turns 106

The Sargeant family of Glendairy Road, St Michael, was in celebration mood on Saturday as matriarch Lilian Sargeant celebrated her 106th birthday and spent it surrounded by most of her children, grands and great-grands.

Lilian and her late husband James Sargeant, a sergeant in the army who passed on in 1982, had nine children: Adalith Wilson, Frederick Sargeant, Monica Sargeant, Idalia Mapp, Margot Sargeant, Marva Barrow, Marion White, Junior Sargeant and Gloria Russell.

Lilian said she was feeling great on her big day and thankful to God.

Saturday was a double celebration for Gloria, as it was also her 76th birthday.

Both she and Monica recalled that their mother taught them the importance of sharing and how to be kind. They spoke of her strong love for God and efforts to always keep the family together.

“Though she was a disciplinarian, she was very loving, fussy and meticulous. She made sure we dressed well because she was a seamstress and our lives at home were something like the Von Trapp family [of The Sound Of Music fame],” Monica added.

As she said this, the sounds of saxophone music filled the air and set the mood for the afternoon luncheon.

Gloria said the family did everything together, including picnics.

Monica told the DAILY NATION the only thing that would bother her mother was the knee, but she was still quite independent.

“But we are there to assist her and make sure everything goes well. For instance, this morning I left her sitting and by the time I came back, she was getting into the bathtub. She does not let anything get her down,” she added. (TG)